Minnesota Legislature
House passes higher ed bill with grant program fixes, added fraud safeguards
By Margaret Stevens
Lawmakers are handing in a higher ed package that may not get top marks across the board, but it did receive a passing grade.
On a 101-33 vote, the House approved the higher education conference committee report carrying updates to financial aid programs, new fraud-prevention measures, and several provisions aimed at improving transparency and protections for students.
However, some may grade the report as incomplete because it is missing proposals to update the state’s educational attainment goals, ensure legislative involvement in selecting regents to the University of Minnesota and addressing a $130 million expected shortfall in state financial aid programs.
“It’s disappointing we didn’t have a target to address that gap,” said Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud), who sponsors the HF4252 with Sen. Omar Fateh (DFL-Mpls).
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Health finance bill would prioritize compliance with federal ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
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How short are the Legislature's short sessions?
By Lisa Kaczke
Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) was ready to end the session March 25, making the motion to adjourn sine die. But not enough of his colleagues shared that sentiment, defeating ...
Stable budget outlook projects $3.7 billion surplus now, no deficit in next biennium
By Lisa Kaczke
The projected surplus for Fiscal Years 2026-27 is now higher than it was in the November estimate, and no deficit is projected for the next biennium.
“Minnesota’s budge...
